I have been using this combination (with the addition of the Stefan AudioArt Equinox cable) for about six months, and have found it to be the best sounding combination I have ever heard.

Could you please describe what difference the cable change made to the sound. I am really enjoying my K1000 (driven by a Unison Unico speaker amp), but I have the feeling that the cables are the weak link and I think they would enjoy a cable a bit warmer.
Did you get the Equinox hardwired or just the final part?

I hope I am not OT, but I believe Kent was contemplating the purchase of Equinox cables, so it should be interesting anyway.

Could you please describe what difference the cable change made to the sound. I am really enjoying my K1000 (driven by a Unison Unico speaker amp), but I have the feeling that the cables are the weak link and I think they would enjoy a cable a bit warmer.
Did you get the Equinox hardwired or just the final part?

I hope I am not OT, but I believe Kent was contemplating the purchase of Equinox cables, so it should be interesting anyway.

I too am interested in the Equinox. But as of the F1, I'm way over budget, so anything like an Equinox is now a ways off.

BTW: If you notice, Nelson Pass makes a statement something to the effect that his current amps aren't affected by cables / connectors (eliminated capacitance issues???). Based on this statement, I'm hoping I can avoid this purchase??? Hopefully I'll get a chance to hear a hardwire on my rig at a meet.

K1000s / FirstWatt F1 / Equinox Cable

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic

Could you please describe what difference the cable change made to the sound. I am really enjoying my K1000 (driven by a Unison Unico speaker amp), but I have the feeling that the cables are the weak link and I think they would enjoy a cable a bit warmer.
Did you get the Equinox hardwired or just the final part?

I hope I am not OT, but I believe Kent was contemplating the purchase of Equinox cables, so it should be interesting anyway.

The difference I perceived by adding the hardwired Equinox cable to the K1000s was dramatic. My previous listening to the stock K1000s provided a lack of bass, overly bright high end, and even a tiny bit of sibilance. The result of the upgrade removed all of those complaints, and gave me a very smooth, transparent, balanced and musical presentation. Even the incredible sound-stage of the K1000s was improved. The listening is now effortless and totally engaging.

Now my entire CD collection is revitalized by listening through this combination: with each selection I hear new surprising elements within the music that I had missed before - far more present and alive.

The difference I perceived by adding the hardwired Equinox cable to the K1000s was dramatic. My previous listening to the stock K1000s provided a lack of bass, overly bright high end, and even a tiny bit of sibilance. The result of the upgrade removed all of those complaints, and gave me a very smooth, transparent, balanced and musical presentation. Even the incredible sound-stage of the K1000s was improved. The listening is now effortless and totally engaging.

Now my entire CD collection is revitalized by listening through this combination: with each selection I hear new surprising elements within the music that I had missed before - far more present and alive.

What an interesting review! I would love to hear your impressions. Here is what Sjaran said:

"For the now discontinued AKG K-1000 earspeakers, the Signature 30 shares the stage with the FirstWatt F1 current-source amp as an ideal partner. The latter's otherworldly control in this context is ultimately more resolved and accurate and would thus be the choice for a recording engineer. The 30 is warmer and slightly mellower to perfectly suit endless pleasure listening sessions."

What an interesting review! I would love to hear your impressions. Here is what Sjaran said:

"For the now discontinued AKG K-1000 earspeakers, the Signature 30 shares the stage with the FirstWatt F1 current-source amp as an ideal partner. The latter's otherworldly control in this context is ultimately more resolved and accurate and would thus be the choice for a recording engineer. The 30 is warmer and slightly mellower to perfectly suit endless pleasure listening sessions."

I guess I prefer the additional resolution and accuracy of the F1.

But I would love to try a Signature 30 too!

In terms of value, the Signature 30 wins hand sdown (inclusion of a preamp, and Sig 30 drives conventional 2 or 3-way speakers -- something the F1 does not).